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Labradors are a large and active breed, a combo that makes for a rather hungry dog. However, even with the best dog food, larger portions or more frequent feeding may not be the best option for them.
In this article, we’re going to look at some of the best dog foods for labs in 2024 and share some other important information, such as whether homemade meals are the right approach and more. If you’re wondering what the best food to feed your lab is, keep reading.
What To Think About When Buying Dog Food for Your Lab
Choosing the correct dog food for your lab is a lot more involved than just picking up a random bag at Costco and going home with it. Labs are a large and highly active breed and have special dietary needs depending on their age, size, health, and personal wants and needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a proper dog food for your lab.
Food Quality
Food quality matters for all beings, especially dogs. Labs are prone to joint and obesity issues. High-quality dog food allows for a healthy weight while giving them all of the essential vitamins and minerals they need without packing on additional pounds from a higher calorie load.
Look for dog foods with meat/protein content as a primary ingredient. Meat is nutrient-dense and highly satiating, and the more protein they have in their diet, the fewer "filler" products they will need to feel full.
After that, a balanced mix of fats and carbs (especially slow-burning complex carbs) will help to keep your lab's energy levels at their apex without causing them to gain weight.
Food Allergies
Labs, like all dogs, can develop food allergies depending on their constitution. The most common of these allergies are skin problems, as well as digestive issues.
Grains are one of the biggest factors in causing food allergies in dogs. If you have a dog that gets ill often with various allergies or autoimmune conditions, then opt for more holistic dog foods that have the fewest ingredients possible. Also, consider dog food that weighs more on the meat-heavy/protein end of things, as this is less likely to exacerbate their problems compared to more carb-heavy dog foods.
Calorie Needs
Labradors can be hungry creatures, which can easily lead to packing on the pounds if their calorie intake isn't managed early on. Understanding your lab's caloric needs is based on their activity level, age, and current weight. Choosing a dog food that is rich in nutrients while not being so calorie-laden is going to be a good bet for your lab.
Labs’ Special Health Needs
Labs are prone to some health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and various heart issues. Their diet is a huge component when it comes to whether or not they have these conditions.
Look for dog foods with supplementation, such as glucosamine for joint health or omega-3 fatty acids for heart health (as well as joint health). Being diligent with your dog’s health early on in their life is multifaceted, but keying in a proper diet first and foremost is going to pay off in dividends for their health as they age.
Life Stage
Like all creatures, a lab's nutritional needs change as they grow older. Young lab puppies need food that's rich in protein to foster proper growth. Adults should have food that's rich in nutrients while still being balanced enough to prevent weight gain. Finally, senior labs would benefit most from low-calorie dog foods that are supplemented for strong, healthy joints.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Making a choice between wet and dry food really depends on your dog's individual preferences and dietary needs. Dry food is more affordable and can last much longer in terms of overall amount as well as its "best use by date." Meanwhile, wet dog food can be more palatable and satisfying due to its higher protein content.
The best choice here, ultimately, is your dog's individual needs. If you have a lab that has a sensitive stomach, grain-filled kibble probably isn't going to suit them. Meanwhile, if your dog has a healthy gut and strong teeth, then dry kibble is a great choice.
Your Labs’s Preference
Labs are a lot like humans in that they have their own food preferences. Some like the texture of kibble, while others like moist, savory, wet food. Paying attention to what your dog reacts best to is a good way of gauging what type of dog food to buy on a regular basis. Just make sure their diet is balanced no matter what their preference is, and never overfeed them.
The Best Dog Food For Labs
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Keeping in mind the requirements laid out above, we recommend the following dog food brands for your labrador. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but you can’t go wrong with any of these options. If going for alternatives, make sure to compare the nutritional facts with the ones discussed above and include them in these various foods.
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food with Roasted Bison & Venison
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a meat-heavy dog food that gives your lab the very basics for their diet.
Key Notes
Witness a glorious return to prairie life with this fantastic, grain-free dog food.
This grain-free formula from Taste of the Wild offers a unique protein blend featuring real bison and venison, which are both lean protein sources ideal for labradors. With a high protein content of 32%, it provides all the essential amino acids needed to maintain muscle mass.
Sweet potatoes and legumes provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while peas and lentils offer additional fiber for healthy digestion. Taste of the Wild includes a blend of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants to support your lab’s overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil ensure a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Sweet potatoes and legumes ensure stable blood sugar levels
- Lentils and peas provide plenty of fiber for digesting
Cons
- Some dogs might not find it as palatable as other dog food brands, especially if they are used to more complex brands
2. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Focus Chicken and Rice Formula
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a great all-purpose dog food that’s fantastic for adult or even senior labradors.
Key Notes
High protein content mixed with joint + skin-nurturing formulas makes this dog food a powerhouse choice.
This Purina Pro Plan formula is a great choice for active labradors. It has a high protein content (30%) from chicken as the first ingredient and also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints, which is a particular concern for large breeds like labs. The formula also has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as probiotics for digestive health.
Pros
- High protein content
- Great for joint support
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Cons
- Costly due to the complexity of the dog food blend
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a scientifically manufactured formula for animals that have digestion problems.
Key Notes
Scientifically tailored for your lab’s needs, this dog food is great for more sensitive doggie stomaches.
Another excellent option for labradors, we recommend this mainly for its balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates for energy. The formula is also enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to support your lab’s immune system. This food also has chondroitin and glucosamine, which help protect their joints, and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which provide a shiny coat.
This variety of dog food is also well-known for being easy on sensitive doggie stomaches, so if your friend has had difficulty with their previous dog food brands giving them pain, this is a well-known and loved brand that can benefit them tremendously.
Pros
- It’s a scientifically-tailored dog food that gives your lab everything they need.
- Full of vitamins and minerals that your growing dog needs.
- Formula great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons
- High in carbs
4. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a dog food specifically made for labs, so you know that you’re providing tailor-made quality for your best friend.
Key Notes
It’s hard to argue with a formula specifically made for labs. There’s no need for guesswork here with this product.
This is a breed-specific formula from Royal Canin made specifically for the needs of labrador retrievers. It contains L-carnitine to help labradors burn fat and maintain a healthy weight, which keeps them safe from obesity.
The kibble size and shape are also designed for labradors to encourage proper chewing and digestion. It also features all the other nutrients needed for joint health and a shiny, fabulous coat, which earns it a place on this list.
Pros
- Made specifically for labs
- Proper kibble size for enhanced digestion
- Chock-full of vitamins and minerals specifically tailored for Labrador breeds
Cons
- It’s specifically made, which means it’s going to be more expensive
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s an affordable dog food that gives a massive bang for the buck.
Key Notes
Highly affordable and full of a great mix of protein, carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals.
This particular Blue Buffalo recipe is perfect for a lab’s active lifestyle. Real, deboned chicken is the first ingredient, providing a rich source of protein for muscle development and repair. Alongside the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin to support their joints during adventures, the feed also contains grains like brown rice that provide complex carbohydrates for far more sustained energy than non-complex carbohydrate variants
Add to that the inclusion of vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, to promote a healthy, shiny coat, and this becomes a really well-rounded option for your labrador. Just be aware that dogs with more sensitive stomachs might have a difficult time digesting this product due to the amount of grains contained within.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Full of essential protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals
- Complex carbohydrates keep your Labrador having sustained energy levels throughout the day
Cons
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs might have trouble with this product
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for Labs
Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to buying high-quality dog food for labs.
Should You Go with a Homemade Diet?
A lot of people opt for homemade diets where they gather the ingredients themselves and make the food for their dog just like they would for themselves. There are definitely merits to this approach, but it comes with its caveats, too. Let’s get into it in detail:
Pros
With homemade food, you have complete control over the ingredients. If a labrador has allergies, sensitivities, or other health conditions, you can tailor the recipe to exactly what it needs to be. This means control over the type of protein, the amount of fat, and the presence of certain vegetables or fruits.
Homemade food is also prepared fresh, so your lab gets the full nutritional value of the ingredients. If your lab is a bit of a picky eater, this can be an absolute lifesaver, and you also see what goes in there.
Cons
Creating an actual, balanced, homemade diet that meets all your labrador’s nutritional needs isn’t the easiest thing in the world. You’ll need to invest a lot of time in finding recipes that are made by veterinary nutritionists or actually consulting with a vet to make sure your dog gets the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
If this isn’t done properly, imbalances will lead to health problems down the line. Also, while it may seem cheaper at first glance, buying fresh ingredients and supplements is often more expensive than store-bought kibble, especially in the long run.
Is Store-Bought Kibble a Good Choice for Labs?
This is by far the most popular option and is also the one we recommend simply because the pros outweigh the cons. Let’s look in more detail as to why that is:
Pros
First and foremost, kibble is readily available at pet stores and online retailers. It’s also easy to store and needs minimal preparation (if any).
High-quality commercial dog food, such as the ones recommended in this article, is formulated by veterinary nutritionists to meet the specific needs of labradors (or other breeds). With different versions for adults and pups, these kibbles also take age variations into account. On top of that, commercially produced pet food is regulated by the FDA, which makes sure it’s safe and up to standards.
Cons
Admittedly, you don’t have as much control over the ingredients in store-bought food. While the ingredients are listed on the label, the quality of those ingredients can sometimes be questioned. Some commercially produced foods also have ingredients that can trigger allergies in labradors, like certain grains or fillers.
Regardless, we still recommend store-bought kibble as the risk is simply lower than it is with homemade diets. If you’re on the fence about which one to choose, try discussing both options with your vet to find the best one for your specific lab.
Why Do Some Lab Breeds Need a Different Diet?
You might think all dogs could do fine on the same food, but like humans, different breeds have specific dietary needs based on their size, energy levels, and anatomy. Here’s why a one-size-fits-all approach to dog food might not be the best:
Size
A great Dane needs a diet higher in calories, often derived from protein and fat, to fuel its larger frame and maintain its energy levels. The chihuahua, on the other hand, would be overwhelmed by such a calorie-dense diet and could become overweight.
Small breed dogs often have faster metabolisms and need more calories per pound of body weight than larger breeds. Their food will accordingly be formulated with smaller kibble pieces that are easier for them to chew and also have a higher concentration of nutrients in each bite to meet their needs in smaller portions.
Activity
Think about the different things different dog breeds were bred for. A border collie, bred to herd sheep all day, has a vastly different energy expenditure than, say, a bulldog, originally bred to be a lovable pet.
The border collie will be at its best on a diet rich in protein and fat to support its tireless activity. The bulldog, though, with its shorter snout and more laid-back lifestyle, would be better with a diet that has controlled calories and lower fat content to prevent obesity.
Specialized Needs
Every breed tends to have its own common health problems. For instance, chondroplastic breeds like Basset hounds and, you guessed it, labs are prone to joint problems. To prevent this, glucosamine and chondroitin are needed in the diet.
Large breeds like great Danes are also at higher risk for bloat, a life-threatening stomach condition, so their food needs to be made to slow down their eating to reduce risk.
Keep Your Lab’srador’s Dog Food in Mind
While there might be no single “best” food for all labradors, we hope this guide has equipped you with the know-how to make an informed decision. Regardless of whether you choose a store-bought kibble or go for a homemade diet, the ideal food will be one that considers your lab’s age, activity, and well-being.
If you’re ever in doubt, you can always consult your veterinarian for a personalized diet plan. The most important thing is that your lab enjoys a long and healthy life with the right nutrition.